What If My Child Experiences a Dental Emergency? Tips & Steps to Take

Accidents happen. Whether your toddler falls down and chips a baby tooth, your child gets hit in the face while playing sports and cuts their mouth, or they start to complain of a toothache, you need to know what to do when your child experiences a dental emergency in Noble Square, Ukrainian Village, or West Town.

So in this blog from Milktooth Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll discuss a few of the steps you should take to keep your child calm and get them the help they need. Let’s get started.

1. Don’t Freak Out & Don’t Go to The ER – Call Our Team!

First, do your best to stay calm and comfort your child. Don’t panic. Oral injuries are very rarely life-threatening, and your child can get help from a dentist like Dr. Amy Shah and restore their smile. 

The first thing you should do is call us at (773) 904-0095 and tell us about what happened. Then, we can schedule a same-day appointment for your child.

You may be tempted to just go to the ER, but this is not usually a good idea.  ERs do not usually have dentists on staff, and may turn you away. Even if your child gets treatment at the ER, it will be more expensive than seeing an emergency dentist.

You should only go to the ER if you believe your child’s life is in danger. For example, if they have a concussion or broken jaw, you should definitely go to the ER. 

Use your best judgment, of course. If you think your child is seriously injured, you definitely should go to the ER. Otherwise, call Milktooth Pediatric Dentistry for an appointment with Dr. Shah. 

2. Recover Their Tooth, Fragments, or Dental Work (If Applicable) 

If your child has lost a tooth, recover it. Clean it with warm water, then put it into a container of cold milk. You need to see Dr. Shah within 1-2 hours to have the tooth replaced. 

If your child has broken a tooth, you can do the same thing. Recover the fragments, then put them into cold milk to keep them moist and bring them in with you to your child’s appointment.

Damaged or pulled-out dental work like a crown can be put into a container or plastic bag.

3. Rinse Their Mouth, Manage Pain & Discomfort 

If your child has an oral injury, you should rinse their mouth with warm water to remove any remaining debris or dirt and clean the injury site. Then, you can use clean gauze or cotton balls to absorb blood, if present. 

For pain, you can give your child ibuprofen or a similar over-the-counter pain reliever. Applying ice packs to the cheek near the affected area can also help with discomfort and swelling.

4. Come To Milktooth Pediatric Dentistry For Your Child’s Appointment 

You need to come to Milktooth Pediatric Dentistry ASAP. The sooner you get care, the more likely it is that Dr. Shah can save your child’s tooth and reduce future complications. She will also be able to relieve their pain and discomfort. 

Got An Emergency? Call Us For A Same-Day Appointment Now!

At Milktooth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Shah always has same-day emergency appointments available for kids. If your child has an oral injury or another emergency, don’t wait. Contact us at (773) 904-0095 to get help right away!